‘Up to 1,000 daily COVID-19 cases in NCR likely if transmission increases after May 9’

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MANILA, Philippines — Metro Manila could see around 500 to 1,000 new COVID-19 cases per day should the coronavirus transmission increase after Election Day, May 9.

This was according to Octa Research, which also projected that should there be no rise in coronavirus transmission after that day next week in the National Capital Region, fresh infections may reach as many as 100 cases a day.

“’Yung projection natin kung wala namang pagkalat or pagtaas or wala tayong makitang pagtaas ng kaso, we’re still seeing—cases will remain low in NCR basta nag-iingat tayo. Ngayon, we’re averaging less than 100 or around 100 cases per day sa NCR,” said Octa Research fellow Guido David during a Laging Handa public briefing.

(Our projection if there will be no spread or increase in cases, it will remain low in NCR as long as we are taking care. Now, we’re averaging less than 100 or around 100 cases per day in NCR.)

“Pero syempre ‘yun nga kung magkaroon ng pagtaas kasi may difference tayong tinitignan, kung magkaroon ng pagtaas ng kaso, we could be seeing up to 500 to 1,000 cases per day sa NCR. Pero sana naman syempre, hindi mangyari ‘yan,” he also said.

(But then, if there will be an increase in cases, we could be seeing up to 500 to 1,000 cases per day in NCR. But we hope it will not happen.)

The Department of Health earlier warned that COVID-19 cases in the country may increase by mid-May if health protocol compliance would be lax.

READ: DOH warns of possible COVID-19 surge by May due to neglected health standards

The World Health Organization has advised the Philippines to prepare as cases are likely to rise, especially after the May 9 elections.

READ: WHO warns of new COVID surge in 2 months, urges PH to prepare

KGA